Driving tests still set back as we move into 2023

Practical driving tests are still difficult to find with many students waiting over 6 months. This is due to many being a result of the coronavirus pandemic still being a relevant factor.

Booking driving tests use to not be as difficult as it is today. Many would be able to book tests straight after passing their theory. However, with the wait for practical’s taking a long time, theory tests are only valid for two years.

It once was looked at as an appropriate time due to how accessible tests were, but many now believe it is not enough time as some now how to redo their theories.

Jamal Williams, 25 years old, said: “I passed my practice test when I was 17, but after my second time. Even though I failed my first, yes I was disappointed but I just went home and booked another one.

Back then I had it easy because it was before Covid. I really feel bad for the people taking driving lessons now because it’s unfair how much they have to wait. Then there’s the chance they may not pass like I didn’t and having to rebook is a much longer process than I went through.”

A DVSA spokesman put out a statement that said: “the current average waiting time is 15.7 weeks but there may be up to a 24 week waiting time in some places.”

Credited by: RAC

The driving company also claimed that the result of bad weather is also a factor for cancellations of tests but are working to try and solve the situation.

Speaking with driving instructor Claire McGuinness, she said: “Since Covid 19 and coming out of Lockdown the waiting lists have gone up to and beyond 24 weeks. Before Covid 19 the waiting list at its worst was 12 weeks.

The impact on my pupils alone is a feeling of discouragement. They feel like there is no point in doing lessons if the waiting list is so long. There is also a problem with even getting booked with a test.

We do recommend looking at 6am on a Monday morning on the DVSA website as a lot of pupils get booked in. With so many cancellations during the Pandemic and the amount of pupils turning 17 during it has resulted in a very long waiting list.”

Teenagers passing their tests at 17 and 18 are becoming more unlikely and the idea they will only have one chance to pass it.

When asked when the backlog will be over, the spokesman replied: “We are working to do it as soon as possible.”